Anthony Joshua is set to make his boxing comeback on July 25, stepping back into the ring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former unified heavyweight champion will face Albanian‑American contender Kristian Prenga in what is being billed as a pivotal warm‑up bout ahead of a much‑anticipated showdown with rival Tyson Fury later in the year. The July 25 contest marks Joshua's first fight since he resumed training after a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latz Adoyele.
In the months following the crash, the British boxer took time away from the sport to recover physically and mentally, rebuilding his fitness and confidence before committing to a return. Joshua explained his mindset in a recent press release: "It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild. Today is the next step on that journey. I’m delighted to have signed a multi‑fight deal that opens with the July 25 date in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I’m eager to compete again and pick up where I left off. As I’ve said, the landlord will collect his rent – that is certain." Promoters Turki Alashikh and Eddie Hearn have used the announcement to confirm that the long‑rumored Joshua‑Fury clash is now officially on the books. Alashikh posted on social media, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening, it’s signed," while Hearn echoed the sentiment on Instagram, declaring the paperwork "signed, sealed, delivered" and confirming that AJ vs Fury will happen in the fourth quarter of 2026, according to Ring Magazine’s X post. Fury himself has hinted at the upcoming bout, noting after his recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that he had already signed his side of the agreement.
"I’ve signed. I signed months ago. I don’t know if he signed," Fury said, suggesting the two camps were already aligned. Hearn previously told Sky Sports that the two potential dates on the calendar were July and November, with both fighters expected to have a tune‑up fight before the headline clash.
"Fury just had his tune‑up – twelve vital rounds to sharpen him. I expect us to do the same," Hearn added. When Fury outpointed Makhmudov, he publicly challenged Joshua, branding the matchup the "Battle of Britain": "I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua.
Let’s give the fans what they want – the Battle of Britain. I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, the Gypsy King, next.
Do you accept my challenge?" Joshua responded in kind, saying, "I’ve been chasing you for ten years. When you’re ready, come see me and lay out your terms. I’m the boss, you work for me.
I’m the landlord." Regardless of how the Prenga fight unfolds, the bout is widely viewed as a litmus test for Joshua’s readiness to face Fury in what could become an era‑defining heavyweight clash, likely to rank among the biggest events in British boxing history. Kristian Prenga, though relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, boasts an impressive record of 20 wins and a single loss, all of his victories coming before the final bell. His lone defeat came early in his career in 2017 against Giovanni Auriemma.
Based in the United States, Prenga sees the Saudi fight as a career‑changing opportunity. "Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he miscalculated picking me as his opponent.
This fight could change everything for both of us. I know they have big plans after this, and I intend to derail them and shock the world this July," he declared.
Sky Sports boxing analyst Andy Scott noted, "Kristian Prenga may be the most Googled athlete in the last hour, but he isn’t a household name in the heavyweight division. This is essentially a test‑the‑waters comeback for Joshua, who is still processing the trauma of the car crash that took his friends. He’s back in camp, taking it slow, and this fight in Saudi Arabia is designed to be a low‑profile return where he should emerge victorious." The event will be streamed via the NOW platform, offering a contract‑free viewing experience, and fans can also follow weekly discussions on the Toe2Toe podcast, which regularly covers the latest boxing developments and highlights.
In summary, Joshua’s July 25 fight against Prenga serves multiple purposes: it marks his return after personal tragedy, provides a platform to assess his current form, and sets the stage for a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later in 2026. The Saudi bout, while modest compared to a potential Joshua‑Fury spectacle, is a crucial stepping stone in the heavyweight champion’s roadmap back to the pinnacle of the sport.